Brand Spotlight 2014 - Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

We are back on my Brand Spotlight series today and we are looking at my last makeup product from Bobbi Brown for the month.  I have already tried out their lip and eye products and I decided that I wanted to try one of the face products and then finish out my shopping with a new fragrance from this line.  Today we are looking at the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15, I have been testing out this foundation for about three weeks now and it has given me a handle on the quality of their face products.  This foundation has been a great choice for me and I will be trying more face and skin products from this brand.

I chose the Skin Foundation SPF 15 to start exploring the face products in this brand as this is considered a hydrating foundation formula and my winter skin needs any extra hydration possible this time of the year.  This formula is a good choice from fall to early spring and I would like to look for more formulas to use as my skin changes in the warm weather.

The Bobbi Brown website describes this foundation as follows, "This water-based, oil-free formula delivers undetectable coverage and a fresh, hydrated glow for the most natural skin-like finish.  In addition to weightless, long-wearing coverage and hydration, the formula minimizes the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and delivers broad spectrum UV protection.  Buildable formula goes easily from light to medium and is available in a wide range of shades for all skin tones."

The website continues with a few more details about why this formula is unique in the range of Bobbi Brown.  "The lightweight water-based foundation sinks into skin, instantly helping to plump, moisturize, boost skin's glow.  Sustained hydration keeps skin looking and feeling fresh, and ensures that color stays true all day.  The oil-free formula is enhanced with light-reflective optic ingredients to give skin natural luminosity."  I ordered this product in Alabaster 00, "the lightest beige with a white hint and pink undertone, for palest skin".  This is the palest shade in the range and the only shade that would work my skin tone.

Bobbi Brown's website states that this products is designed for normal to oily skin types but I have no issues with it on my combination dry skin.  The formula is water-based so it sinks easily into the skin and helps to moisturize any dry patches that are on my face right now.  I can't say that I have seen a huge difference in the luminosity of my skin however I have been using this product with the Caudalie brightening products that I always use.  My skin looks wonderful with this foundation however I think that it is the combination of the foundation and the skincare products.  The combination of this product not sticking to the dry patches on my skin and the natural glow that it gives my skin make this product a great choice for me to use between fall and spring (I prefer BB Creams and tinted moisturizers during the summer) and I know that I will be repurchasing another bottle of this once I run through this one.

The shade Alabaster is a nearly perfect match for my skin this time of the year, I like that the undertones don't lean too pink and it helps to camouflage the redness in my skintone.  This product does not noticeably change colors as it dries down and I have no other issues with it darkening throughout the day.  This foundation lasts about eight to ten hours on my skin and I do have to blot my T-Zone once or twice during the day, I always set this product with powder and I'm not sure how long this product would last on my skin without setting it with a powder.

I really like this foundation and I think that I will be buying more products from the Bobbi Brown face product range.  I have been very happy with everything that I have tried so far from this company and I know that I will end up buying a ton more products from this brand in the coming months...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Urban Decay Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation

I have been playing around with two new foundations over the past few weeks, we are looking one of them today and then I will be reviewing one later on in the month as part of the Brand of the Month series.  I typically prefer foundations from either MAC or NARS and I decided that I wanted to try formulas from brands that I love but that I have never bought foundation formulas from before.  Today we are looking at the first of the two foundations that I will be reviewing this month, the formula that is my least favorite of the two and one that I would probably not repurchase again.  I reviewed a lighter coverage and a fuller coverage foundation, today's review is of the lighter of the two formulas.

Urban Decay has been a favorite brand of mine for years and I have used their BB Cream and liked that the formula.  They introduced a new foundation formula about a year ago and it quickly became one of the best selling foundations on the Sephora website.  The Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation was sold out when I was looking for a new foundation late last summer and I had been putting my review on hold until I could finally order my correct shade and really try this one out.  I finally found my correct shade in stock while I was at Sephora buying the other formula and I just decided to buy both of them while I could find the shades that I needed in both.  

"An oil-free, lightweight liquid foundation that feels like wearing nothing at all, while leaving a demi-matte finish.  Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Liquid Makeup leaves skin looking natural, illuminated, and bright with a luminous demi-matte finish: like the beautiful skin you were born with. Light-diffusing spheres provide a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blurring imperfections for beautifully perfected, ultra-definition skin that looks completely real.  It provides truly buildable coverage with a weightless feel and a luminous finish. And it’s loaded with nourishing ingredients, including: Matrixyl 3000 (a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide), protective and brightening Litchiderm™, antioxidant green tea, and sodium hyaluronate for optimal skin hydration and nutrient absorption. The sleek, hygienic pump provides more control, with less waste of product.", states the Sephora website

Sephora states that this is a "medium" coverage and can be built up as needed for fuller coverage.  I do not agree with this classification, I found this formula to be sheer coverage and then it needed to be build up to a light-medium coverage, two coats of this formula were needed to coverage any red areas of my face and I still found patches of redness to be peeking through on my cheeks throughout the day.  I tend to prefer fuller coverage foundations and I knew within a few days of wearing this formula that I was not going to be a fan of it.  One pump covers my whole face and then I use a second pump in targeted areas.  The texture of this formula is very lightweight and runny, it feels like nothing when applied and I am a fan of the lightweight feel.  This product provides a matte finish to the skin however it clung to a few of the dry patches around my nose and I always have to be very careful when I apply the product in this area.  This product just makes my dry patches look even worse and I might be putting it to the side until my skin gets less dry as the spring season approaches.  I found that it does not wear well throughout the day and clings to my dry patches even more as it wears.

I apply this product with a Beauty Blender and I have found that I needed to use it dry in order to get any coverage from this product.  The biggest downside to this method of application is that the sponge absorbed more product than it should have and I have been burning through my tube of this product.  I have not tried the product with a brush as I dislike applying most liquid formulas in this method.  

There are two aspects of this product that I really like.  The first is the bottle, I love the packaging and the pump on it.  The second aspect that I like about this product is the shade range.  There are about twenty shades of this product and the palest shade works perfectly for my winter skin, I am using Shade 0.5 right now and could probably use Shade 1.0 during the summer.  I can't find a shade match in many shade ranges and I love how nicely this shade works for my complexion.  I wish that Urban Decay had a different foundation formula in this shade range...

I know that many ladies absolutely love this foundation formula but it just isn't for me.  I would recommend this to someone with more normal to oily skin and who doesn't suffer from redness in their complexion.  This would be a good formula for someone who dislikes the "feel" of foundation on the face and tend to like a lighter coverage BB Cream.  This formula doesn't provide enough coverage for the redness in my face and doesn't work with my dry patches and therefore would be much better for someone with a different skin type than me.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

Today is the final post from my Josie Maran hauls at Sephora and my least favorite product of the group, I have found that the skincare products from this line are much nicer than the color products.  I liked the Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee but it wasn't my favorite cream blush formula and the foundation formula follows much the same pattern.  The foundation and the blush are nice formulas but the skincare products are stellar, this line could easily get rid of the color products without detracting from the overall line.  The Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation is a fair foundation formula but not one of the better ones that I have used and my least favorite product from this brand.

The Sephora website provides the following description of this foundation formula.  "A serum foundation formulated with chameleon pigments, an innovative color-match technology that goes on white and instantly adjusts to match your unique and changing natural skintone as it balances and nourishes the skin.  This is the only foundation you'll need year-round to provide age-defying undetectable coverage. The breakthrough serum foundation suspends over fine lines and wrinkles to smooth and correct visible signs of aging. The one-of-a-kind Organic Argan Oil infused formula strengthens and balances your skin while keeping oily areas shine-free, and dry spots naturally moisturized for totally flawless, younger looking skin.This serum works with whatever range of coloring that you fall into, either light/medium or medium/dark. The foundation starts out white and then changes color to match to your skin."

Unlike most foundations, this formula is only available in three shades.  I was lucky enough that the palest shade worked well for me however I am sure there are quite a few skintones that will not work with any of these three shades and this product will prove unworkable for.  I understand that this formula is designed to be "color-matching" but I cannot see how only three shades will work for the whole range of skintones.

The three shades are...

- Fair/ Light Shade Range: for the fairest porcelain skin with pink undertones to light skin with pink undertones
- Light/ Medium Shade Range: for the lightest skin with yellow-olive undertones to medium skin with yellow-olive undertones
- Medium/ Dark Shade Range: for medium tan skin all the way to the deepest skin tones

I use the Fair/Light Shade Range in this product.  Two drops of this foundation were what I needed for light to medium coverage with this product, it does come out of the bottle white and then began to change color as I was doting it all over my face.  Working it into my skin with a foundation sponge developed the color more fully and applied it evenly all over my face.  The product feels nice and light going on and I do enjoy the texture of the Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation.  It glides over my dry patches and doesn't settle into the dry patches on my cheeks, I use this with a primer underneath and this makes application very smooth and simple.

I am not a big fan of the pump bottle, I see this clumping in the nozzle and I believe that I will need to start opening the bottle and applying it to my skin with a Q-Tip.  Not my favorite way to apply this product...

This formula is a nice light coverage foundation, it never works up to much more than light-to-medium coverage and I needed a separate concealer on my red areas.  I tried building the coverage up with a second coat in target areas but this only made the product streak and look much worse.  This foundation is basically a glorified tinted moisturizer and I should have just bought the tinted moisturizer formula from this company instead.  I was looking for a medium coverage foundation and this product did not live up to my expectations, it is nice formula as a light coverage foundation and performs more like a tinted moisturizer than a full foundation.

I doubt that I would repurchase this product again as I could just purchase a tinted moisturizer and get the exact same coverage from it.  I was hoping for a product with better coverage and this one just did not live up to what I needed from it.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation

The end of May begins the time of the year that I rarely wear foundation and will only wear the lightest feeling formula when I do bother to use it.  I have been very much into the Urban Decay Beauty Balm for the past few weeks and I think that this is the face product that I will be turning to until Labor Day.  I will only use foundation if I need it to even my skin tone when getting very dressed up or if I am having a horrible skin day and the extra coverage is needed.  Whatever the case may be, I am putting my favorite NARS Sheer Matte formula away for the summer and have ordered a compact of the Vincent Longo Water Canvas Foundation to use when I need extra lightweight coverage.

Many of you will remember that I first used the Vincent Longo makeup line right after I graduated from college and was working at a Flagship Bath and Body Works, this was when a select group of Bath and Body Works carried extra makeup, skin, and hair care lines and I was able to try all kinds of products out when I was working there.  Vincent Longo Water Canvas is one of the stand out products in the line and one of my personal favorites, this still remains one of the best blush formulas that I have ever used and I am running very low on my last pot of it.  The foundation in this formula is just as unique and fabulous and this is the foundation that I ordered to alternate with my beauty balm for the next three months.  This is the lightest weight foundation formula that I have ever used and it somehow actually still covers flaws and even skin tone out like a heavier formula would.

The compound that makes the Water Canvas line so unique is called Microwater, this product is 75% Microwater and it helps the product to look and feel very natural on the skin.  Microwater is unique to Vincent Longo, this company holds the patent and I believe that the brand representative from this company told me that it was made in conjunction with the scientists from the major Asian beauty company, Kose.  Kose is the parent company of Awake, one of my favorite Asian skincare lines and I know that any product from this company will be unique and high quality. 

The Vincent Longo website is one of the few places that I can find this collection, it has been pulled out of Bath and Body Works and Sephora over the past few years and it gets harder and harder to find each year.  "A patented and award winning Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation imparts a real-skin (neither too moist nor too matte) powder finish on the skin. The unique, ultra-lightweight and refreshing liquid/solid texture hydrates skin and allows it to naturally breathe.  Contains 75% Microwater, a 100% natural botanical seaweed polymer and silica which maintain the skin’s moisture balance and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.  Vitamin E protects the skin from free radical damage.  To prevent evaporation, be sure to keep the lid locked closed between applications."

The website also provides details for best application techniques.  "Start with the Water Canvas Base to smooth and brighten skin.  For sheer coverage, apply with VL Brush #37 working in light downward strokes.  The Water Canvas sponge will provide medium-to-full coverage and should be used by gently pressing the sponge into the skin."  I have this product in Porcelain however it is available in a full range of shades, most of which tend to run warm when you try them in natural light.

Application is really key with this product, I lightly rub the makeup sponge around the edge of the product in a circular motion and then apply it my to face.  I do this twice, once to cover my whole face and get a base coat down and then I apply it again to areas that need more coverage (under my eyes, cheek redness, and my nose area).  The second coat is needed for full coverage of problem areas but only one is really needed for good skin areas.  I then do need to touch up with a bit of concealer, as I would with the NARS formula and then I am able to top if off with loose powder or bronzer and I am good to go for the day. 

This formula lasts throughout the whole day as long as I use a powder formula with it and a primer underneath it.  I am using a Smashbox primer right now and I am getting great results from the combination of the products.  This foundation is best for warmer weather or for someone who wants a very lightweight formula and has no major skin issues that need a full coverage foundation formula.

Drawbacks of the product - You must close this pot fully (until you hear an audible "click"), close is wrong once and you have lost your whole compact of the product because the Microwater evaporates and dries out almost instantly.  The shade range leaves a bit to be desired for ladies with cooler toned skin, I find that many of the shades are warmer and have yellow undertones to them (instead of blue or neutrals), this is one of the hardest foundation lines for me to fine a good shade for my skin tone.  The biggest drawback of the product is how high maintenance the formula is; you must lightly rub your sponge along the top of the product to pick it up and it must be applied with a sponge (there is no other way to apply it correctly).  Two coats are needed for problem areas and coverage needs to be built, it takes a bit longer in the morning to apply this product correctly (though I find the payoff to be worth it).  Above all, you must make sure that you close the product correctly every single time, one incomplete closure with kill your whole compact.  If you are not willing to invest this much time into this routine, then this is not the formula for you and I recommend that you do not try this product. 

I love this formula and can commit to the maintenance of it and love the results that I get from it.  This is not a typical foundation formula however it can give you a fabulous result if you are willing to put the effort into making it work!

photo courtesy of Vincent Longo

Benefit Primping with the Stars

Last fall, we saw Benefit release a bunch of great palettes right in a row and this spring will be no different.  I think that I see at least two or three new ones on the Sephora website and we aren't even out of the first week of January yet, who knows what else will be waiting for us over the next few weeks.  Primping with the Stars is the first set that really got my attention, I loved the name and it jumped out at me right when I was browsing on the Sephora website.  This is a set that contains some of the best selling and cult items from Benefit, I can already see two of my favorites from this company: They're Real! Mascara and The Pore-fessional Pro Balm.  They're Real! is one of the few mascaras that I would ever repurchase and the primer is one of the best for the warmer weather months (for skin that isn't as dry as mine, this would be a good priming choice for every season in the year).  I also spy the Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain, my first product ever from this company and one that I still use.  I wonder what other cult Benefit favorites will work for me now...

This set is exclusive to Sephora so I will pull all of my information from this company's website.  "An all-time greatest “fake-its” kit for face, cheeks, eyes, and lips that'll make them all starstruck.  Primp yourself to star-worthy status! This collection of Benefit’s iconic favorites for the face, cheeks, eyes, and lips will make you red-carpet gorgeous. Now that’s cause for applause!"

The products in the set!

Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer - A 360 degree primer for concealers and eye shadows.  Tell your eye makeup to stay, don't stray! This dual-action primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eye shadows REALLY stay put. Concealers never crease and eye shadows stay vibrant and true—you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!  Stay Don't Stray preps, protects, AND perfects!  Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.  Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.  Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

Some Kind-A-Gorgeous Foundation - A sheer, oil-free, cream-to-powder complexion perfector.  This lightweight, translucent, foundation-like product smoothes out imperfections and evens skin tone with a silky, smooth finish that's super natural and super gorgeous.
- Medium - sheer natural beige

Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain - The original—and still the best—rose-tinted cheek and lip stain.  Benefit Benetint is a kiss-proof and smudge-proof, indelibly sheer tint. It gives an innocent yet provocative glow to keep everyone guessing, "what has she been up to?"  It's the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle.
- Benetint - rose

The Pore-fessional Pro Balm - A PRO balm that minimizes the appearance of pores.  The POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores—now you see 'em, now you don't!  Oil-free. Instructions included.

Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Pearl for Face - This soft, golden-pink liquid pearl luminizer features light-reflecting pigments to give your complexion an exquisite, dewy glow. It includes raspberry & chamomile, known for their soothing properties…and sweet almond seed extract known to help improve skin firmness & smoothness. Pat it on over blush to highlight cheekbones with a pop of pearly pleasure!  Pat & blend over makeup for eye-catching luminescence. Wondering how much to apply? One twist for subtle sheen…two or more for dewy radiance.
- Girl Meets Pearl - rose gold shimmer

They're Real! Beyond Mascara - A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.  This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out. 

I am thinking that buying this set would be a great choice for me, I already know that I will use and love three of the products.  Both the primer and the mascara are top choices of mine and I would never turn down a reason to pick up some more of these two products.  And if i can get more of these two products and then try some new ones out yet too?!  I want this set!

Girl Meets Pearl is the product that I am most interested in, I want to use it over blush when I go out at night.  I do think that it might be too much for the daytime hours but will look wonderful at night to brighten up my pale skin this time of the year.  This product could make my winter pale skin look a million times better.  I am always game to try a new eye shadow primer so I will use the Stay, Don't Stray that is included with this set, I love it when I can find a new formula of eye shadow primer that works as well at the Urban Decay version of the product, I need to have a few good formulas just in case Urban Decay would be sold out of what I want or change up their formula. 

The foundation shade in this set might be too dark for me, I would have to hold this product until next summer when I have used self-tanner a few times.  I typically would only use a power formula during the warm weather months anyway, my skin is too dry in the fall and winter for it to work well.  I will have to put this product on the back burner for the moment.

So far I love the new sets from Benefit and I am so excited to see what other sets come out in the next few months!

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC Studio

It is Christmas Eve and that pretty much means that we are coming to the end of the holiday season.  But while everyone else seems to be slowing down as the holidays are arriving, MAC has been speeding up and four new collections have been released on the website today and should be in the stores/at the counters by the day after Christmas.  Boy I hope that I will be getting some MAC giftcards under the tree tomorrow...  Four new collections releasing on one daymight even be a record for MAC, two of the collections are full color collections and the other two are slightly more targeted to specific areas of the face.  I am most excited for the Strength collection, I loved the first photos that I saw of the model and of the products in the collection and that will be the collecti

on in which I know that I will spend the most money!

We are going to start with the Studio collection, a collection that I don't need anything from right now but will investigate later on as I begin to run low on my foundation and loose powder.  I have really liked every single face product that I have used from MAC and it is one of the few companies that offers a shade pale enough to match my skin! 

"Developed with the professional in mind, a new collection that delivers the highest level of studio-quality performance, exceptional colour and coverage. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation's one-step application gives skin a smooth, flawless, full-coverage finish in 7 new shades. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, in an enhanced spectrum of shades, combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage to deliver healthier, fresher looking skin."  I will be looking closely at both of the powder and the foundation very soon.

Here are the new offerings in the Studio line...

Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation - A one-step application of foundation and powder. Gives skin a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish. Long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. A real all-in-one. The choice of pros, and a long time favourite of M∙A∙C fans.  Available in seven shades to suit all skintones.

Studio Fix Fluid SPF Foundation - A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15. Comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and disperses oil. Contains special skin-conditioning ingredients. Oil free.  New packaging is being phased in for this product. Your shipped product might look slightly different than the one shown on this site.  Available in five shades to suit all skintones.

193 Angled Foundation Brush - A Pro-quality foundation brush created to achieve a silky, flawless finish. Ideal for any M·A·C foundation, including new Matchmaster SPF 15 & classics like Studio Fix & Studio Tech. Use to apply, distribute and blend foundation into all areas of the face.

116 Blush Brush - Tapered for shading and highlighting cheeks and face with blush. The bristles on this brush are soft and form a full, rounded shape. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.

I didn't realize that this powder was actually a foundation too, I would still like to try it out even though I rarely use powder foundations.  My skin is too dry in the winter for this type of product so I am thinking that this product would be best for me in April and May, my skin won't be so dry but I won't have gone over to self-tanner and bronzer yet.  I will start looking at the liquid foundation a bit earlier, I still don't need a new bottle but I should start getting ready for when my current bottle of NARS dies and this formula sounds fabulous so I will head to the counter and try this formula on my skin.

So these are the new additions to the Studio collection, next we are going to looked at the Pressed Pigments collections and then save the color collections for after.

photo courtesy of MAC

NARS Sheer Matte Foundation

The other week I finished the last of my MAC foundation and I decided to expland my knowledge and experience with NARS complexion products.  I use lots of their blush, lip, and eye products and now I wanted to try one of their face products and see if it is the same quality as the rest of their product line.  Well I am very happy to report that the foundation that I used from this line is among one of their best products and one of my favorite foundation formulas that I have tried over the years.  At this point, I really feel like I could use only NARS products and be very happy for the next few years.

I purchased the Sheer Matte formula from their small foundation line, the line from MAC is much more extensive but there are enough products in the NARS line to cover most foundation needs.  I prefer sheer to medium coverage foundations in the spring and summer, while I save the heavier coverage products for the winter months when my skin is more red and dry than usual.  The MAC formula that I just finished was a medium coverage and I wasn't looking for a much different formula this time around.  I had checked out the NARS formula a few months ago when my MAC bottle was running low and the Sheer Matte formula was the product that I decided to purchase when I needed a new bottle.

"An oil-free, soft-matte finish foundation with sheer, buildable coverage that controls shine throughout the day while evening the skin tone.  Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin more luminous, softer, and smoother.  Used daily, Sheer Matte Foundation improves skin's brightness and texture.  For normal, normal to oily, and oily skin types.  Oil-free, absorbs oil and controls shine.  Contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and tumeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone.  Dermatologist tested.  Non-comedogenic.  Fragrance-free." 

This formula is more of a medium coverage than a sheer coverage, it is slightly on the drier side than many other formulas that I have used.  This is a better formula for using during the warm weather months, I will have to go over to the Sheer Glow formula during the fall and winter months.  Even though it is direr than the MAC formula that I have been using, it applies and blends well.  I use it over Benefit's The Pore-fessional primer and it blends easily and covers very well.  With this formula being slightly on the drying side, I make sure than I moisturize well before using my primer and foundation routine.  While this formula isn't very difficult to work with, I found it slightly more challenging to blend on my cheeks than any other area of my face and primer is a must to easily and quickly blend this formula.  The coverage of this product is very even and works very well to conceal any redness in my cheek area, I have found that I need more less concealer than usual with this formulation and I only use it around my undereye area and on any random blemishes.  This is a top quality formula and is among the best that I have used.

This foundation comes in a range of 20 shades, from very pale to deep.  I purchased the Mont Blanc shade, the second shade in the range.  It is "light with pink undertones".  The two lightest shades aren't very different from each other but I chose the Mont Blanc shade because it had pink undertones and has cooler tones than Siberia which is a mix of pink and yellow undertones and is slightly more neutral than Mont Blanc.  This shade is a current perfect match, however I know that as soon as I begin using self-tanner this match will be wrong.  Based on this fact, I will only be able to use this product for the next month or so before the match is off.

This foundation is a wonderful choice for the spring and summer months for me, but I will go over to the Sheer Glow formula in tha fall (I hope that all shades are the same in that formula).  This formula covers well, with a bit of effort in blending and stays on all day without excess oil breaking through in my T-Zone area.  This is a great foundation for normal to combination skin types, I feel that it might be too heavy for oily skin types.  This is one of the best foundations that I have ever used and I have found yet another winner from NARS.

photo courtesy of NARS

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish SPF 15 Foundation

The foundation that I have been using the past few weeks is a newer formula from MAC and my first foundation from MAC.  I was recommended this foundation at the MAC counter several weeks ago.  I was running low on my last bottle of Prescriptives foundation and I wasn't able to find it on their website to try and order another bottle.  I had to come to the realization that I was going to have to head out and find another foundation to try and replace the Prescriptives formula.  I was using a mineral liquid foundation from that company so I decided to try and find a similar formulation. 

Knowing that I has never used a MAC foundation before, you might be asking why I decided to suddenly try MAC out instead of Clinique (which I have been using for years as foundations).  My interest in MAC stemmed from the many shades that they carry and I was quite confident that I could find a great match to my skin.  I loved Prescriptives service in which they would color match skin and the result of that service was the best foundation shade match ever.  MAC has one of hugest shade range around so this counter looked like a very good place to start.

I picked my shopping time wisely, I went early on a day where I knew that the people at the counter would have the time to help me out.  I started by describing the Prescriptives foundation that I had and how I was trying to find a close formula and a shade match.  I want a medium coverage foundation that was good for sensitive skin.  I wanted a liquid formula that would be good for normal to drier skin.  We were able to narrow it down to several formulas in their collection and then she asked me to describe the previous foundation that I had been using and she decided to start with the Mineralize Skinfinish SPF 15 Foundation and go from there.  This was the best experience that I have ever had at MAC and I was so happy that she took the time to really help me out.

The MAC website provides a description of the formulation.  "A fluid foundation that blends the natural light-reflecting properties of micro-minerals with a smooth satin finish.  Provides a low to medium buildable coverage with a slightly luminous look.  Contains antioxidants Vitamins C and E.  Provides everyday SPF 15 sun protection.  Long-wearing.  Suitable for normal-day skins".  I bought this product in the NC15 shade, the palest shade that this formula is offered in.  This is one of the few foundations that I have ever used that is a near perfect shade for me.

Formula-wise, this is a top-notch foundation.  I actually like this formula more than I liked the Prescriptives, making this my favorite foundation that I have used so far.  This formula is recommended for those who don't need heavy coverage, the description states that it is for light to medium however I place the coverage more at light.  This only gives slightly more coverage than your average tinted moisturizer, making this a great choice for those who don't need full coverage or dislike a heavy feeling on the face.  This product does appear to have a slight sheen (the luminosity, I presume), making it more flattering than a pure matte finish.  This formula wears for about 8 to10 hours and removes quite easily with my face wash at night.  I haven't experienced any redness or irritation from the product and it doesn't dry any area of my face out.  It controls oil for a few hours but I do have to touch up with blotting linens or powder every few hours.

I love the pump bottle of this product, I use exactly one and a half pump and it is enough to cover my whole face and blend down into my neck.  This style of bottle should help to reduce wasted product, since I often felt like I was wiping excess foundation off when I would use the pour bottles.

Are there people that I wouldn't recommend this formula for?  Of course.  Someone with normal to oily skin will not like this foundation and will not find it matte enough.  Also, those who prefer a matte finish instead of satin will not be a fan of this foundation.  With these few exceptions, this is a great formula and I can understand why it was described as a "top rated foundation" at the MAC counter.

photo courtesy of MAC

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15

After my initial experiences with Bare Escentuals powder foundation, I promised myself that I would never use any type of powder foundation again.  As more and more powder foundations were released over the past few years, I decided to try and rethink this and decide what I disliked the most about the Bare Escentuals ritual.  I honed it down to the formulation of the product and how messy the powders were to apply and work with.  The major reason that I decided to try and re-evaluate was that I was interested in the pressed powder foundations that have been released by Clinique and all the raves that I had heard about them on Makeup Alley.

Several months ago, Clinique was having an event at their counter in Macy's so I decided to have one of the makeup artists try this product out on my skin.  She stated that it could be used as a foundation or as a powder on top of a liquid foundation.  I still thought this product was a foundation instead of a powder so that is how I requested that she use it.  The Clinique website states that this product gives sheer to medium coverage so I can see where she was coming from in terms of coverage, if you needed a heavier product than this alone is not near enough coverage for you. 

Clinique's website provides the following product description, "More than minerals.  Skin looks, acts happier.  Long-wear formula helps keep pores out of trouble.  Antioxidants and SPF protect skin.  This natural, perfecting "no-makeup" makeup is so lightweight, you'll never even feel it.  So foolproof, you can apply it with a sponge, a brush - and almost with your eyes closed."  This product is available in eight shades that are suitable for all skintones.  I purchased the palest shade that this product is available in.

Clinique provides a sponge with this product but I prefer to use this product with a Bare Escentuals brush (best part of the kit!).  I first tried it with the sponge and found that it provided the most coverage but was also the hardest type of application.  I tried this foundation with two different brushes to see what type of finish and coverage that I got from them.  The Kabuki Brush from Bare Escentuals provided another medium coverage but I dislike this brush overall since it is hard to get into smaller areas of the face (side of the nose, around the eyes).  I prefer larger brushes for loose powder application instead of pressed powders.  My favorite brush to use with this product is the Flawless Face Brush, it gives a sheer-medium coverage and makes the product very easy to apply.

I still use a cream concealer over this product and so far I haven't had any problems with blending or caking.  Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage applied with a flat concealer brush works quite well with a powder foundation which is good since I have never used a powder concealer.  The powder foundation lasts all day, however after about four or five hours, shine on my nose began to break though.  I have used this product with both Lancaster pressed bronzer and Make Up For Ever HD Loose Powder and have the same results with both products. 

This pressed foundation works much better than what I had experienced in the past when using powder foundations.  It provides a sheer, natural coverage on my skin and doesn't make my pores look much larger than they really are.  It is quite easy to apply with a brush and the coverage can be altered depending how my skin is looking that day.  I prefer this product in the warmer weather since my skin is dewier that time of the year.  I haven't used it when my skin is very dry in the winter because I am afraid that it will highlight the dry patches on my cheeks and forehead.  I recommend this product if you would like a foundation that gives a sheer to medium coverage and is more low maintence than many liquid formulas.  Am I done with liquids?  No, there are days that I still prefer liquid foundation coverage and I can't use the powder formula in the winter. But I like that I have finally found something other than just liquid formulas and have made a powder work for me.

photo courtesy of Clinique 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

When the name Laura Mercier is uttered, many people think of one product only. That product is the famous, award winning tinted moisturizer, a product that has many Allure awards and is a consistent Sephora best seller. I was first turned onto this product quite a few years ago when Jean Godfrey June covered it (and raved over it ) in her column for Lucky magazine. I was in college at the time and have never really heard of using a tinted moisturizer instead of a liquid or powder foundation. I was somewhat interested in the product but mostly because she raved about it and I love everything that she loves.

Flash forward several years and land right in the middle of a Laura Mercier event at their counter in bloomingdales. Since they had several professional makeup artists right there and no one was in line at that moment, I decided to take a chance on the product and have them use it on my face. I was a bit worried that the coverage just wouldn't been enough to cover my red areas since a tinted moisturizer seems like a plain hydrator that is spiked with just a hint of color. When I expressed this concern to the artist, she recommended that I try using a lighter coverage foundation and look at a heavier concealer instead of heavy coverage foundation used alone. She did my face with the combination of this product and the Secret Camoflage concealer and I caved and bought both products. And the matching Secret Camoflage brush. What can I say? Impress me and I am a pretty easy sale.

The Laura Mercier website gives the following product description and usage details. "Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight moisturizer with SPF 20 and a hint of color that can be used in place of foundation for a natural appearance while adding a healthy glow to your complexion. Moisturizing formula hydrates skin, softening and easing fine, dry lines. Leaves a natural, dewy finish. Features an anti-oxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger to protect the skin from even the most aggressive effects of the environment. Extremely long-wearing, stays colour true, and wears evenly. Add SPF and a sheer finish to the skin by mixing 50% Tinted Moisturizer into your foundation". "To Use: apply to clean skin and use an outward and downward motion - be careful not to pull the skin. Can be worn with or without Foundation Primer".

I found that the simplest method of application was the best for this product. I tried applying it with a sponge, thinking I could get it one like foundation. It just made the product streak all over the place. I tried applying it over another moisturizer, thinking that it would be twice as hydrating. More streaking occured. The best results came when I applied to it clean skin (using it as my hydrator) with my fingers and just blended it in with the pads on my fingers. Sometimes the easiest way really is the best way...

This product comes in two formulas, one that is oil-free and one that is not. I have bought and used both in the extra same shade (Porcelain - what else?) and find that there is very little different in the texture. If you are prone to breakouts, you might like the oil-free version a tad better but I experienced no issues with either version.

This product gave me even coverage and reduced the appearance of the redness in my cheeks. The use of this and a heavier concealer really helps my red areas without looking like I am wearing a ton of makeup or having my face look cakey. This formula stays on most of the day but does tend to sweat off pretty easily in humid weather.

The only part of this product that I'm not all that impressed with is the SPF 20. Tinted Moisturizers are not applied to the skin with a heavy enough hand for SPF to really even be useful in this product. It doesn't hurt to have it in but I would prefer a product with no SPF and then to add my own under it.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

MAC Pro Longwear Foundation and Concealer

This past week, MAC released several of their Pro products to the counters in order for all their fans to have access to the highest quality formulas and shades. The first release in the one that we are looking at today, the Longwear Foundation and Concealer. The MAC website states, "In the world of Pro Longwear, Foundation and Concealer carry the show with creamy, medium buildable coverage right through to a flawless, natural finish. Marathon makeup to go, made from microionized pigments to promote the smoothest application and colour purity."

Here are the new products...

Pro Longwear Concealer - A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump. Available in 15 shades to suit all complexions.

Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation - A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Even in hot and humid conditions, controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural, and flawless. Provides everyday SPF protection. Available in 16 shades to suit all complexions.

190 Foundation Brush - Pro-quality. A foundation brush designed to create a smooth, even finish. Works well with any MAC foundation, including Studio Fix and Studio Tech. Use to apply, distribute, and blend foundation into all areas of the face.

195 Concealer Brush - A flexible synthetic fibre flat brush with a slight pointed tip for precise application and blending of all concealer formulas and other emollient products.

I wish these formulas would have come out in the beginning of the summer, I needed something like these during the heat waves that we had several months ago. I like the concealer in the pump bottle so that I can regulate the amount that I need to use down to the last drop.

photo courtesy of MAC

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15

Well, it's January and therefore (unless Estee Lauder changes something), this will be my last Prescriptives post ever. Very sad... This last post will be another one about their foundations, one powder and one liquid. Both of these foundations are from the All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15 line and were ones that I had considered when I got my Colorprint done. I wasn't all that interested in the powder formula but I was very curious about the liquid formulation and wondered if I would like minerals in a liquid formula, since my major complaints with Bare Essentials was the powders. These products are bestsellers for Prescriptives so we will look at both of the formulas and you can determine which would be the best for your skin type.

Here is the description of the powder formulation that I got from the Prescriptives website, "Good for you. Good for your skin. What's in it for you? Vitamins, minerals, gems, sun protection...all helping make your skin look naturally radiant and unbelievably healthy. What's not in it for you? Oil, talc, fragrance, pore-clogging ingredients...all the things that may make you hesitate about wearing makeup. So, All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15 is all good --- and skin looks and feels naturally flawless, naturally better. Key benefits: pure, natural coverage; infused with vitamins, minerals, and gems; healthy, radiant finish; weightless, long-wear formula; and SPF 15 protection". The method of application for this product is the same as Bare Essentials (which I hate) so I don't think that this formula is what I am looking for in this line.

Now let's look at the liquid version from this line. The liquid version is billed by the company as being good for 16 hours of wear and is the long-wearing product in the mineral line. This is what the company website has to say about this product, "Introducing the long-wear makeup that's good for skin. All Skins Mineral Makeup 16-Hour Wear/SPF 10 is an all-day liquid mineral foundation that stays fresh and lasts up to 16 hours, while helping protect with non-chemical UVA/UVB sunscreen. Our exclusive R.E.C. complex (Radiance Emitting Crystals - a unique combination of Amethyst. Rose Quartz, and Calcite) gives skin extra luminosity, as if it were "glowing from within". Lightweight, buildable coverage lets skin breathe. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. Long-wear. Water-resistant. Oil-free. Fragrance-free. Non-acnegenic".

When I tried this liquid foundation at the counter, I determined that it wasn't a heavy enough coverage for my skin. However, I loved the feeling of it and was intrigued by the R.E.C. complex. So in the end, I didn't end up purchasing this product though it was a second choice of mine.

I hope that Prescriptives is able to do something to keep all their items available on their website. I have found that every product that I have ever tried from this company, I have ended up loving. And I have never even tried any of their skincare or eye makeup yet. If I hear anything else about availability and this company, I will post it right when I find out.

photo courtesy of Prescriptives

Prescriptives Colorprint Service and Flawless Skin Foundation

It has been out in the open for several months now that Estee Lauder will be pulling the Prescriptives totally out of stores by the very end of January 2010. They decided to go out with a bang with the introduction of the Lustre Holiday collection and it has been announced that the company plans to continue its website and sell makeup solely through that channel. What this means is that anyone who hasn't tried products from this line yet so get themselves to a counter and learn all about the products and services that they offer. The product that this company is the most famous for it is foundation and it is worth a trip to the mall to receive custom blending service and to find a great foundation match.

This system is called Colorprint and works to determine the undertones of your skin and what shade will work the best for your individual skin tone. I went about a month ago to the nearest counter and asked for this service and expressed my wish to purchase foundation. The first action that the sales associate took was to draw lines of color on my cheeks to determine what my undertones are. I have cool undertones in my skin so I fell into the "Blue/Red" category of shades. All of the makeup from this company is grouped by undertone color, so (in theory) any shade within the "Blue/Red" category should be flattering. The sales associate then asked me to describe what I wanted in a foundation. I told her that I wanted a liquid foundation, medium to full coverage, for normal to dry skin.

The product that she suggested and used on me is the Flawless Skin Total Protection Makeup SPF 15. "It takes beauty and benefit to create flawless skin, and Flawless Skin Total Protection Makeup SPF 15. This groundbreaking formula with Pro-X Cell Complex, works to protect against sun damage and external assaults, while simultaneously diffusing imperfections. Achieves a flawless finish while working "undercover" to provide your skin with superior skincare protection and boosts skin's own internal defenses against damaging environmental assaults. Daily use improves skin's ability to repair itself and guard against UVA and UVB damage. The result is healthy, beautiful skin - inside and out. This lightweight, long-wearing foundation provides natural-looking medium to full coverage for all skin types. Oil-free."

I bought a full sized bottle of this foundation in the palest shade for with "Blue/Red", which is Rose 23 B/R. I have been using it for about three weeks and am pleased so far. The foundation is indeed long-wearing and while it isn't up to the standard of Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, it is mostly still in place at the end of day. The shade match is impeccable and I feel that it is worth it for anyone to try the Colorprint service and find their perfect shade of foundation.

I wish that Prescriptives wasn't being pulled from counters but I do take some solace in the fact that I can still order it through the website. Over the next few weeks, I am going to write on every Prescriptives products that I own so if anyone wants to try them out, they will have some time until the counters are pulled at the very end of January.

photo courtesy of Prescriptives

By Terry - French Week Day 5

For the fifth day of French Week, I have decided to look at another high quality niche brand. By Terry is a brand that is not known to many outside the beauty industry but has an extremely discerning and captive group of buyers.

By Terry was created by Terry de Gunzberg. This is not the first group of products that she has masterminded. Why do I say 'masterminded' and not 'created'? She has not only created the line of products, she created a whole new concept in the packaging of products. She originally worked for YSL and while there, she created the famous Touche Eclat pen concealer and indeed the whole concept of the click-pen method of products. Her personal product line, By Terry, is much an extension of this concept. Terry draws much of her inspiration for products and colors from museums and her garden of multi-colored roses. And who else loves roses? Me!

By Terry has a whole line of rose based products which will endlessly hold my attention during a SpaceNK visit, but today I have decided to talk about her products that have the click-pen design since they are what she is most famous for creating. Her Light Expert foundation is revered by all those who try it and it is a Holy Grail material for many of her clients.

Here is the description of the product from the company's website, "This genius foundation brush sweeps away imperfections, dull skin and shadows to reveal a flawless complexion with every stroke! Enriched in hyaluronic acid filling spheres, moisturizing, anti-aging and antioxidant active ingredients, its extreme skincare formula plumps up hollow areas and remarkably preserves the youthfulness of the skin. Its totally perfecting and almost imperceptible “super-natural” texture instantly smoothes away wrinkles and fine lines. It diminishes imperfections and erases signs of fatigue. A savvy new beauty step with easy application for an immediate radiance result". Their are two methods of application of this product and I have been told that they work equally well. The first is to use the brush as the applicator and use the product as one would a foundatiuon brush. I have been told that this produces a heavier coverage and is recommended for those who are in need of a fuller coverage from their foundation. The second method produces a sheerer application. Use the foundation brush to dab the product on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Then a foundation sponge is used to blend the product in.

My only dislike is that this product is only available in six shades so not everyone will find their perfect match.

I adore the light reflecting particles in this product especially for use on my dark circles in the morning. They manage to instantly make my look more awake and alive. This is one product that I really feel that everyone should try at least once because they will fall in love with it.

photo courtesy of By Terry

Make Up For Ever - French Week Day 2

Yesterday we looked at the products that are produced in the French countryside. Today, we are going right to the heart of Paris and looking at a company that is on the cutting edge of the beauty industry. Make Up For Ever was started by Dany Sanz in 1984 to aid her in creating up to the minute fashionable looks with high quality products that could withstand outside elements. Sanz's objective in creating her own line is as follows, "To develop an all-encompassing line for fashion and show business professionals that has every product, texture, and color needed to achieve any effect a makeup artist's heart could desire".

This line was one of the first to venture into the world on HD and the types of makeup that would need to be worn by professionals in order to appear flawless on the screen. With the advances in technology, it very quickly became evident that traditional makeup no longer passed and wasn't sufficent to cover flaws and still look natural. This line of products is used by many T.V. and movie professionals in order to create a flawless skin look and is a favorite of many women who desire a fuller coverage foundation that will not budge all day long.

The HD foundation is a favorite of mine since the first use and the matching powder is fast becoming a HG product for me. This foundation comes in a array of shades with 25 currently being offered. the array is dazzling and any skintone will be able to find themselves a great match from this collection. I use Pink Porcelain or Ivory, both pale shades with pink undertones and I have fantastic results from both shades. This foundation is oil-free and is considered to be a medium to full coverage liquid foundation. It makes flaws invisible under HD and therefore is also a great good choice for women who exist in real life.

I must say that it took a long time for me to try this product out. I had previously been quite content with my Clinique foundations and wasn't really in the mood to try something new out. Also tis product is also mentioned on the Makeup Alley Makeup Board and I was uncertain that this product could live up to the hype that centers around it. The first time that I used it, I used two full pumps and wasn't happy with how heavy it felt. I went down to using a pump and a half and later down to one pump. With one pump of product, this foundation delivers amazing coverage with no clumping or caking and without making me look too made up. After about 2 weeks, I joined the group of women who worship this product.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Clinique Superfit Foundation

For the past month or so, I have been anxiously awaiting the Clinique gift with purchase at my local Macy*s. From the moment that I heard that it was going to be occurring, I had decided that I was going to go and get the Clinique Superfit Foundation. I have used their bases before and am always happy with the texture, the wear of the products, and the massive range of shades for all skin tones.

This is the newest foundation formula from this company and is supposed to be the best wearing one released so far. The Superfit formula makes some hefty claims about how amazing this product is. Clinique promises that their “patented formula uses new technologies to wick away sweat and excess oil, keeping even T-zones fresh, fit, and free of midday shine or 5 pm fade-out”. This formula is oil free and should wear about 8 hours. The sign at one of the Clinique counters that I once visited promises this performance or the company will refund the cost of the purchase price. How could I go wrong?

Well, I did. Yesterday, I finally got a chance to visit the Clinique counter to pick a bottle of this amazing potion up. The sales associates at that counter were super excited about the product and tried their hardest to find a shade for me. We started with Neutral, determined that it was too orange and too dark. Then we went up to Petal, a paler shade. Same problem. As a last ditch effort, they tried the palest shade on me, one entitled Shell. This one was also too orange for my skin tone. I was in shock, Clinique has the widest range of foundation colors of almost every makeup line! How could they all be too orange?!

Lucky for me, the sales associate that was helping me to pick the colors out really knew her stuff. She recommended to me another foundation, the Superbalanced formula. This product “provides moisture and absorbs oil when and where needed with adjustable coverage that is silky upon application. Oil-free formula provides natural skin finish.” She actually thought that this formula might be better than the Superfit for my sensitive, combination skin. We found a perfect match and I happily bought that bottle and an Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.

So I didn’t get exactly what I wanted but I still left the counter happy. Hey Clinique! Please make more shades in your Superfit formula, I still want to try it!!